Method for transferring and separating telephone call data

ABSTRACT

The invention consists of equipment and a method for allowing old line capacity to provide near dsl or superior dsl quality telephone connections. A method of handling a telephone call with an associated data package over a telephone system having a power pair of lines and a second pair of communication lines with the steps of: a) determining the types of data desired to create a data group from the group consisting of voice, picture, bio-marker (finger print, retinal scan, etc.), card holder information (credit card number, etc.), DNIS and ANSI call data, generating at least one first byte digital data from at least one first digital data generator; generating at least one second type digital data from at least one second digital data generator; prioritizing the data between the at least one first byte digital data and at least one second type digital data so that the at least one first byte digital data is given priority; determining the bandwidth associated with transmission of the at least one first byte digital data; preferentially sending the at least one first byte of digital data within the bandwidth associated therewith; and adding bandwidth as required to include the at least one second type digital data. The data is separated and forwarded on at a site remote from the phones. Data is carried to the phone as well as away from the phone using this prioritized process.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 10/695,968 entitled“METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING AND SEPARATING TELEPHONE CALL DATA” filed Oct.29, 2003 which claims priority of Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 60/422,399 filed Oct. 29, 2002, each of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to specialized telephone equipment andcorresponding data transfer methods.

PRIOR ART

The prior art has numerous protocol methods utilized for thetransmission of digital and analog data. Some of the types relevant fromthe prior art include the following:

DSL or Digital Subscriber Line: A general term for any local networkloop that is digital in nature; technically, DSL equates to ISDN BRI,but this is decreasingly enforced terminology. DSL technology isavailable in several varieties. See also ADSL, HDSL, IDSL, RADSL, SDSL,VDSL, xDSL. None of these are a good fit as the equipment cost,implementation requirements, standards, minimum requirements forfunctionality, integration into existing facilities and particularapplication usage disqualifies all these types of solutions forcommunication in some systems. All of these involve some level ofmultiplexing, using several frequencies on the same channel to transmitseveral different streams of data, from different sources,simultaneously.

The amount of data that can be sent through a network connection ismeasured in bits per second (bps). The range of transmission frequenciesthe LAN network can use, known generically as bandwidth, is expressed asthe difference between the highest and lowest frequencies of atransmission channel (in Hertz, or cycles per second). High bandwidthallows fast transmission or high-volume transmission.

ADSL. Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line is a term for one-way T1transmission of signals to the home over single twisted-pair wiringalready going to homes in the prior art. ADSL modems are attached totwisted pair copper wiring. ADSL is often provisioned with greaterdownstream than upstream rates (hence the term “asymmetric”). Theserates are dependent on the distance a user is from the central officeand may vary from as high as 9 Mbps to as low as 384 Kbps.

HDSL refers to High bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line. The oldest of theDSL technologies, HDSL continues to be used by telephone companiesdeploying T1 lines at 1.5 Mbps and requires two twisted pairs.

IDSL refers to ISDN Digital Subscriber Line. IDSL provides up to144-Kbps transfer rates in each direction and can be provisioned on anyISDN capable phone line. Unlike ADSL and other DSL technologies, IDSLcan be deployed regardless of the distance the user is from the centraloffice.

RADSL rate adaptive Digital Subscriber Line. Using modified ADSLsoftware, RADSL makes it possible for modems automatically anddynamically to adjust their transmission speeds. This often allows forgood data rates for customers residing greater distances from the CO.

SDSL single-line Digital Subscriber Line or Symmetric Digital SubscriberLine. A modified HDSL software technology, SDSL is intended to provide1.5 Mbps in both directions over a single twisted pair. However, thedistance over which this can be achieved is less than 8,000 feet.

VDSL very high-rate Digital Subscriber Line. The newest of the DSLtechnologies, VDSL can offer speeds up to 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbpsupstream. Similar to SDSL, the gain in speed can be achieved only atshort distances. These maximum speeds can be achieved only up to 1,000feet. Sometimes VDSL is called broadband digital subscriber line (BDSL).

XDSL a generic term for the suite of digital subscriber line (DSL)services, where the “x” can be replaced with any of a number of letters.See also DSL, ADSL, HDSL, IDSL, MDSL, RADSL, SDSL, VDSL.

The prior art involves the use of slow speed lines data associated withthe telephone call. New technology high speed lines are used in order totransfer the data within a telephone call. Often times, the telephonedata is separated at a switching service (the CO, for example) forpurposes of obtaining billing information, but the separated dataportion of the telephone call is consistently restricted to telephonecall identification.

GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention differs from the prior art in providing a protocolutilized in conjunction with a phone having a clock, a first quantum ofcall data, and at least one second quantum of information dataassociated with the telephone call and related or unrelated informationwhich is created which is handled differently from the primary analog orconverted analog to digital first part which is, typically, theconversation part of the telephone call. The telephone call data is sentutilizing preexisting data or voltage lines associated with thetelephone in order to provide additional data for telephone monitoringand in order to provide more varied transfer potential and data transferpotential utilizing existing telephone lines. DSL type servicesassociated with the call can be sent without providing additional DSLtype telephone lines in a preexisting system and in particular apreexisting system that does not have easy conversion capability to ahigh speed telephone connection.

The invention comprises several features; being both a novel telephone,a novel phone system and a method of utilizing the phone systemutilizing novel protocols. While the preferred embodiment teaches interms of wiring, it will be obvious that certain features and protocolsmay be used with wireless systems or with systems converted to liens atthe building wall to obtain the same benefits.

The present invention uses Programmable Logic Levels (PLLs) clockswitchover management to maintain the timing of two or more “clocks”.Data bytes made of multiple data bits are packaged and the packages aretime coded utilizing NRZI data packaging at a local clock. For thispackaging, the clocks are adjusted on voltage changes which are timedwith zero bits at the end of the longer strings of non-zero data bytesof packaged bits. Using Programmable Logic Levels (PLLs) for datatransmission the features are used for system-level clocking management.PLL circuitry features include clock switchover, PLL re-configuration,spread spectrum clocking, and programmable bandwidth.

This timing solution eliminates the need for multiple discrete timingdevices on a board, thereby resulting in real and overall systems costsavings. In the system, a timing pulse is sent automatically to eachconnected phone. In the event the phone loses the digital signal forgreater than a configurable time (currently 4 seconds), the phonereboots and reestablishes communications with the CBU (Central BlockUnit) so manual intervention or complete system rebooting is notrequired to maintain a solid digital connection to each device attached.

The phone unit generates a plurality of digital signals which areencoded, prioritized and then sent to a decoder. The phone and decoderform a system capable of expandable features and/or functionality.Because the phones are modified to use existing lines in order to carrynon-voice data, phones may be modified to achieve an almost limitlesslist of features and functions. Features or data generator devices arecontrolled by the digital smart phone's CUP (central processing unit) aswell as with data from the interfacing CBU CPU. This timing solutioneliminates the need for multiple discrete timing devices on a board. Asingle clock is used by all different data generators on the phone CPUcircuit board. In the embodiments below, at least one device is run on afree wire pair directly from the CBU CPU or SCC CBU.

Newer features can be added by attaching a desired data generator deviceto the phone circuit board and changing the programming introduced intothe system API and controlled by customizable software modules forencoding and decoding the data and for prioritizing the data streamsbased on this programming.

The protocol used not only changes or varies the data format fordifferent data types, but also changes the way that the data is packagedin order to get maximum benefit from the available bandwidth given theuser specified priorities in the software. If, for example, the voice isto come in first, then the software loaded on the CPU is able to allowfor the voice to come in prioritized, although potentially at a reducedquality, and fit to in the remaining non-voice data as required andallowed by band width. Ultimately, all data (subject to user electeddumping) makes it from the phone to the CBU and from the CBU to theremote data processor 30. The data comes in on a specified andconfigurable priority which is programmatically set.

Changes made include bandwidth allocation, bandwidth expansion, datatransfer speeds, and communication outlet selection where more than onemethod is present for distributing data. For example, the data may besent from the phone CPU to the CBU CPU which takes voice data (non-voicedata, e.g. billing and call (DNIS, e.g.) Information) to phone lines andequipment data to USB ports, firewall ports, or other specialized dataports. This allows high data transfer for multiple phones overspecialized existing transfer protocols while individual phones or wiresprovide data over more narrow protocol lines.

It is therefore one purpose of the invention to provide for digitalservice of multiple phones without rewiring on existing service. No DSLtype equipment is required, nor is any type of DSL type protocol orsystem used. Line multi-plexors, data splitters, DSL DSP's and DSL typefirmware and hardware is not required on this system. The technologydeveloped provides a high content digital service without the addedexpense and more restrictive wiring and equipment requirements of DSLtype service. This technology can be retrofitted by using existing lowspeed lines at a much lower expense and less system overhead.

It is another purpose to provide for enhanced data associated with atelephone call with limited band width.

It is another purpose to provide a method for taking a telephone calland associated data and breaking it into discrete portions or handlingdiscrete portions separately. It further provides for discreet portionsto be separately handled, enhanced, compressed and manipulated in orderto provide a better data stream (according to use defined preferences)associated with a telephone call and/or digital function.

These and other object and advantages of the invention will becomebetter understood hereinafter from a consideration of the specificationwith reference to the accompanying drawings forming part thereof, and inwhich like numerals correspond to parts throughout the several views ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the presentinvention, reference should be made to the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in whichlike parts are given like reference numerals and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a phone and central block unit used in conjunction with themethod taught herein.

FIG. 2 shows the interface between the units shown in FIG. 1 and acentral computer.

FIG. 3 shows a process diagram of the interaction of the units shown inFIG. 2 used in conjunction with analog phones.

FIG. 4 shows a process diagram of the interaction of the units shown inFIG. 2; and FIG. 5 shows how several phones can be arranged into asingle interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

As can best be seen by reference to FIG. 1, the wiring of the systeminvolves, in the simplest embodiment, utilizing a first single twistedpair for communication (voice pair 4) and a second twisted pair tooperate the digital phone's main system power (power pair 5).

A standard analog phone assembly typically requires −24-48 VDC power onpower pair 5 commonly known as tip and ring. For the purpose of thisdocument, this wire pair is referred to as the power pair 5 as shown onFIG. 1. On this type of phone, all information (voice and DTMF) are sentthrough one (1) second pair of wires referred to as the voice pair 4. Onanalog phones, the 24-48 VDC twisted power pair 5 carries everythingrequired to operate the analog phones.

There are two pairs required to operate the phone. Technically tworequirements for functionality of the digital system include poweringthe system and providing communications. These functions are carried outusing the same two pairs of wires previously discussed, but thecommunications are modified and organized as digital signals. For thisphone, the power pairs of twisted wires are the same used for a standardanalog phone supply 20-56 VDC. This power pair 5 is preferably analogpower, usually 20-56 VDC. Nothing else is communicated or transmittedvia this first twisted pair in the preferred embodiment.

The second twisted pair, the voice pair 4, is converted to run thedigital portion of the unit which carries +2-5 Volt DC voice and datacombined digital signals to the phone housing from the Channel Bank Unit(CBU) 32 and back. The voice pair 4 of wires to the phone 1 will carrythe +2-5 VDC originating from the system CBU 32 ending up at the phone 1and will power and communicate bi-directionally and synchronously withthe microprocessors and accessories described below as the digital phoneinformation group which group is completely independent of the first setof wires supplying nothing but the 20-56 VDC power.

At existing sites, the old lines and original wiring already located maybe retrofitted phone block. Where new lines are pulled and a new phoneinstalled a set of wires 28 (usually Cat. III wiring but requiring onlytwisted pair wiring) is used to carry power of 24-48 volts(traditionally tip and ring) to the phone from an existing source or anew power source 44 (FIG. 2). The phone will preferably accept a voltagerange from 20 VDC to 56 VDC. This wiring will usually pass through awiring block interface 7. This interface 7 could be one or moreImmediate Distribution Frames (IDF) for example. The interface 7 allowsa single line from the power source 44 to power multiple phones. Itcould originate from buildings Main Distribution Frame (MDF) in thefashion known in the art; ultimately ending up at the source DC powersupply 44.

In most cases, the IDF is fed input from an MDF and ends up at the phonewith no other IDF interfaces between. An example would be a multi storybuilding which would have a bottom floor MDF distributing to the otherfloors IDF's which would feed the phones on each floor. An MDF or IDFcan run every phone in any configuration on an analog setup. An exampleof 2 ways of using this with the invention are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The preferred embodiment uses pairs from the most convenient locationinvolving the least amount of effort to lower cost and make it easier onthe facility being integrated. The old line/original wiring alreadylocated at the phone housing as the voice pair is preferably currentlyinstalled at the site or close to where a new phone in installed on awall. Cat. III wiring is typical but any twisted pair wiring suffices.This voice pair is used to carry +2-5 VDC digital signal between thephone and the Channel Bank Unit (CBU) 32. The CBU 32 is where the datacombined at the phone CPU 21 is separated and interpreted. The CBU 32uses a central processor CBU CPU 18 for interpretation of digital soundand other digital data including fingerprint and video data. This datawill also pass through the wiring block (interface 7) which may or maynot exist in the same location room [The use of a wiring block is notnecessary, but is a standard connection between a phone bank (aplurality of phones) and a CBU CPU 18.]

The phone 1 is mounted where existing wires or new wiring require it.The phone is connected to a standard phone punch down block, interface7, then a ship cable (amphenol cable 23) connects the interface 7 to theCBU 32 which may be rack mounted or otherwise in communication in acomputerized equipment rack (having a CBU CPU 18) for communicatinginformation to one or more sources which could include third partiessuch as enforcement authorities or monitors of all or selected partiesof the data.

Typically, an existing facility will have Category III wiring or better(Cat. V), which alleviates the need to rewire the entire site. Thedigital system, in this embodiment, only requires two twisted pairs tobe run to the digital phone housing.

In the preferred embodiment, there are micro-processors in the 32 andthe phone 1. The phone has housing circuitry in the form of a circuitboard.

The digital phone CPU (microprocessor) 21 is attached to at least onecircuit board 19. The CPU 21 communicates by way of direct attachment tothe phone circuit board 19 containing the processing chips whichcontrols and communicates back to the CBU 32. The accessories (describedbelow) are attached to ribbon cable 26 or mounted on the phone housing24 by interface with the phone circuit board 19. In the embodiment shownthe circuit board 19 is connected to a fingerprint reader device 11, acredit card reader 12, a digital information GUI (a number pad) 25, afirst camera 13, a first microphone 15 and, in this example, a secondcamera 14 and second speaker 16. The circuit board 19 communicates withthe CBU CPU 18 via the voice pair 4 of twisted wires. The handset 31connects directly to the circuit board via wire “plug” 6 from a variablelength lanyard 27 located on the face 29 of the phone housing 24. Thelength of lanyard is customizable or may be replaced with a radio signalin which case the plug would be replaced with a transceiver in the phone1.

In FIG. 1, a monitor 47 is shown which is run from the CBU CPU by way ofa connection to the third wire set 3 running from the CBU 32 to the wallwhere the monitor is hooked up.

The phone CPU 21 accepts and organizes the data from the aforementioneditems and further breaks these down utilizing processes described below.

The phone communicates via the digital data line formed by the voicepair 4 (2-5 VDC wire pair) to the CBU 32 which then connects from theCBU 32 to the call manipulation servers, here CPU CBU 18 via USB cable34 and a two (2) twisted pair/four (4) wire cable 35 with a RJ45connection on each end. One end of the RJ45 cable connects to the CBU 32and the other end connects to a PCI T1 card 61 installed in the (CBU CPU18) which may be a computer based system of the type described in U.S.patent Ser. No. 09/516,381 Filed Feb. 29, 2000.

The CBU 32 communicates to the CBU CPU 18 via the aforementionedinterfaces (USB for camera and print data and the RJ45 connection cablefor all other data including voice with a storage means, hard drive 36,to retain the data transmitted from the print phone CPU 21 to the CBUCPU 18; ultimately ending up on the server computer, SCC 30, with anyspecified storage medium (here hard drive 36). An API program or chipwith program is running on the controller computer (SCC 30) to handlecommunications from the CBU 32. The CBU 32 is transmitting and receivingdata as needed through synchronous, bandwidth on demand, digitalcommunications from each digital fingerprint phone housing 1 attached tothe CBU 32 as described above. Specialized software modules are runningon the Windows based computer system and communicate programmatically tothe CBU API also running on the computer system as previously described.

The preferred storage medium on the CBU 32 includes, but is not limitedto, a hard drive 38 with RAM 39 for accepting and/or storing informationfrom the data received and processed by the specialized software modulesand the CBU's software API.

Storage media may be located at the phone, the CBU 32 and the SCC 30shown in FIG. 2.

This storage medium in which received data is stored, driven, andaccessed is processed and controlled by the software modules received byspecial communications with the CBU's API running on the computer system(co-existing and running with software modules on the phone and CBU 32.Different storage types would be more useful at different locations. Forexample short term phone RAM 41 storage may be more useful at the phonewhere only short term storage is required. The CBU CPU 18 could have CBUram 39 and the CBU CPU 18 a hard drive 38 depending on the level ofcontrol required at that level. The system controller computer SCC 30would have both RAM 40 and hard drive 36.

This phone storage medium may also accept information provided by theCBU CPU 18 through system software accessing the CBU API 42 for purposesof running the digital phone, prioritizing information sent by the phoneto the CBU 32 and controlling access to the phone as described.

The CBU 32 provides the communications and powered digital signalingrequired to operate the “print phone” 1 and its associated circuitry.This is achieved through the second pair of wires described as the voicepair 4 running from the Amphenol connector 23 located on the back of theCBU circuit board 43 and possibly passing through a MDF/IDF interface orequipment rooms housing punch and/or wiring blocks (interface 7)allowing the CBU 32 to operate up to 24 digital phones 1 per cable 23.Each phone operated requires the one (1) extra twisted pair per housingbe present and connected for a total of 48 wires (24 pairs for 24phones) not including the 20-56 VDC descried which may use a single line5 to multiple phones.

The CBU 32 typically does not accommodate the main power wiring and thiscomes from an independent power supply co-located with the CBU or CBUCPU 18 or located elsewhere in the facility (it may be at the phones).This power from the source to the phone will also require two (2)twisted pair wires as previously described for a total of two (2) pairs,or four (4) total wires, per digital print phone housing, two methodsare shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

One alternative would be to have the phones have a battery 70 whichwould charge using the one two wire set, voice pair 4, while the portwas not in use. The phone would then switch to a communication mode whenthe phones went off hook, battery 70 could receive a separate charge asshown in FIG. 5.

The power required to operate the CBU 32 unit comes from a power supply44, preferably but not required to be, co-located in the computer systemrack or mounting assembly 8 securing the CBU 32. The CBU 32 output powerrange is +5 VDC over the digital communication lines 4 but the powersupply required to run the CBU 32 can range from 5 VDC up to 56 VDC.This large voltage acceptance range is accomplished through a regulatorcircuit 9 on the CBU circuit board which allows the CBU 32 to utilizethe same power supply 44 in FIG. 4 that could be used to power the 20-56VDC supply for the phones. This proves to provide greater flexibility byminimizing the requirements for specialized power sources and allows forthe use of standard 48 VDC analog phone power supplies to operate theCBU 32.

From the punch down or wiring block, interface 7, wires 28, including atleast 1 wire pair 4 run to each phone for the communication signal inthe preferred embodiment, although these may be separated using theexiting phone lines as described above. The CBU 32, for purpose ofdigital communication, provides enough power to power the entireconnector 23 (whip cable) for phone powered by a single array of phones(24 lines) in the preferred embodiment (shown in FIG. 3). It is possibleto run a higher number of digital phones by adding additional ChannelBank Units 32 or additional cable inter face assemblies 46 attached toports 45 on the CBU circuit board, although each CBU 32 circuit boardtypically has some port 45 limit. One cable interface assembly 45 isshown in FIG. 2 being used, a second port 45 is shown without a cableattached.

The port limit is currently set to stay with in operational limits butexpandability is possible to allow more phones per CBU unit.

Deviation from typical category three or five wire is permitted. Someinstallation survey results have noted only two (2) twisted pairs pulledto each phone mounting location. As shown in FIG. 3, with a third wirepair 3 allows a power independent carrier 47 could be run from the CBU32 by pairs 3.

In order to maximize reliability of the phone system, decreasemaintenance, and improve performance, the novel phone uses a digitalsensor 48 for an on and off hook signal by installing a magneticallysensitive digital sensor 48 (a non digital sensor could also be used)which is normally open [or normally closed programmable at the usersdiscretion] in the cradle 49 and powered by the phone circuit board 19.The magnetic speaker 50 which is built into the phone handset 32, isread by the sensor 48, to determine the hook state of the digital phonesystem. The sensor 48 is read and communicates with the digital phonehousing via connection to the phone circuit board 19 and the phone CPU21 interprets the results from the sensor and generates the appropriateon or off hook signal from the phone CPU. The signal is sent over thedata line to the CBU CPU and ultimately fed to the CBU API 42 for finaltranslation and provides a “message” to any software module programmedto look for this message. The software module can then utilize themessage in any way to provide the on/off hook data and handle itaccordingly powering the handset speaker end receiver. This digital hookswitch provided by the sensor 48 allows there to be no moving partswhich are present on the traditional phone housings and improvesreliability and removes mechanics which are a portion of failuresencountered in field environments. The phone may also be electronicallytaken “off hook” for monitoring the phones or attached devices bydesignation from a remote processor, such as from a GUI 33 in contactwith the SCC 30 for monitoring purposes using this type of switch.

The 2 wire solution uses a custom designed communication networkingprotocol. A network type sharing of one or more CBU's connected to thesystem computer controller as described above is used. In the preferredembodiment, the invention uses pre-emphasized networking (RS-485 type)from a power prospective but not a protocol prospective) to achievefull-duplex protocol over the second pair 4, so that communicationsbetween the phone CPU 21 and the CBU CPU 18 are efficient. In thepreferred embodiment, the mixture of voice and data over the same wirepair (second pair 4) allows for more information to be shared than withtraditional wire phones. Protocol preferences allow two or moredifferent data streams to share the line. The data and voice aredigitized at the phone to accomplish this. Since voice and data sharethe same pipeline with an expandable bandwidth beginning at around 500KB, the voice is (in the preferred embodiment) prioritized by the phoneCPU and CBU CPU to avoid any latency in voice transmission. Voice haspriority over the line and data is stored linearly or by data type andtime and passed through on a first in/first out scenario or by typepreference controlled by the digital phone CPU subject to overridingrequests from the CBU CPU then interpreted by the CBU CPU based softwareAPI. There is 500 KB+bandwidth on each digital pair on each phone. Inthe preferred embodiment, the power pair carries nothing but power. Thepriority may be varied in this embodiment by software instructions.

The date is preferably prioritized in time sent and in amount/quality.The priority may be preprogrammed subject to overriding commands whichoverriding commands are subject to predetermined minimums which minimumsof quality and timing are subject to overrides which minimize quality ortiming and purpose.

The protocol eliminates traditional tip and ring DSL requires it. DSLrequires a digital filter on the lines. DSL uses multi tone frequenciesto transmit and receive data (audio). Typically, a DSP would be requiredif this were using a DSL type connection. The penalties of this type ofprotocol would be inefficiencies, larger power consumptions and increasein cost.

The customized protocol process eliminates the power consumptions andincrease in cost. On demand bandwidth is used to further reduce powerconsumption. As the digital phone housing needs to transmit data(bandwidth), this demand is requested over a small communications (2KB/s low with potential for adjustment if necessary) channel that isalways maintained by the both the CBU CPU and the phone CPU. NRZI is thesignaling bit which maintains the packet structure. Non-Return-to-ZeroInverted (NRZI) is a method for transmitting and recording data wherebit stuffing is employed—the practice of adding bits to a data stream.These added bits can create a long string of similar bits, whichregister to the receiver as a single, unchanging voltage. Since clocksadjust on voltage changes, they lag behind true time. NRZI ensures thatafter a 0 bit appears, the voltage will immediately switch to a 1 bitvoltage level. These voltage changes allow the sending and receivingclocks to synchronize. This handles the data transmissions and the clockrate to maintain synchronization and packet clock rate. The voicemaintains the highest priority as previously mentioned. The datacommunication is full duplex. This allows for the transmission andreception at the same time. The bandwidths are not fixed bandwidths butare dynamically allocated by the digital phone CPU and the CBU CPU. Incertain cases, the SCC may also participate in DSL. The up link and thedown link is predetermined and remains constant; but in the presentprotocol, as per need of the device, it can be changed dynamically(real-time) by the CBU, SCC or phone CPU. In the described protocol,once the need of bandwidth has expired or concluded, it can be freed andallocated for the next service routine. Starting with the API, the datapump sends bytes as required by priority as established by the CPU's(voice vs. other data types and one type of data vs. another).

Further explained, the user may want one piece of data over the other oreven to halt voice to receive other data if required or requested. Apre-programmed message informing of a pause or call termination may beprogrammed in at the phone to notify the phone user and at the SCC orCBU for the call recipient to inform them of the call be suspended orterminated. This flexibility allows IIS to make the GTL digital phonefingerprint design possible. Biometrics data is also multiplexed withvoice and data over the same line. The voice data at the digital phoneis converted from analog to digital by use of a codec then digitallytransmitted to the CBU. Then the CBU CPU sends the data to therequesting API on demand via API calls as required. The datatransmissions are controlled by the Programmable Logic Levels (PLL).

As can best be seen by reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 in the preferredembodiment, the invention utilizes a standard telephone interfacing(with a standard jack no shown) which carries up to four pairs of line,3 pair, 3, 4, and 5 shown here. Two wires (4) are used for the digitalcommunication function of the telephone and two wires (5) are beingavailable for carrying a higher voltage to power the telephone 1. Thephone uses only two twisted pair, one digital to the phone, one voltagesupply to the phone. No high voltage ring lines, are used. By virtue ofthe digital technology, additional circuits on the board or additionalunconnected resources (like camera or biological marker with it's owncommunications protocol 47) may be connected to take advantage of theextra lines 3 if available and needed.

The remote monitoring station 10 (which may have multiple stations towhich the call is forwarded by directions sent via SCC, CBU CPU oroutside phone line to the CBU) may monitor the telephone call forseveral different purposes. It may be a third party to whom the otherparties look for quality control, it could be a monitoring company whichmaintains security over the lines, it may be for purposes of policesurveillance, or it may be used for other services.

For example, in one embodiment the technology utilized herein wouldallow an employer to monitor, at a remote location, internet access andin another embodiment, it would allow a policy officer to monitoractivity associated with a telephone call or events at or near the phoneas well as identification procedures associated with the origin of thetelephone call particularly at a prison phone.

The data generating device, e.g. finger print reader 11, under thisscenario may operate in the manner known in the prior art or the dataassociated with the telephone may go through a CUP 21 as described inmore detail in reference to FIG. 2 below.

In the most simple embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, there is at least onedata generation device (e.g. item 11 which may be referred to as a meansfor generating digital or analog data).

Multiple generation devices are not absolutely necessary to everyembodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 shows where there is a finger printreader 11, a card reader 12, a first video camera 13, a firstspeaker/microphone 15, a second video monitor 14, and a second speaker16 associated with the second video monitor/camera.

In addition, the telephone is also generating device identification dataat all times to the CBU for heartbeat (function) and station locationinformation when associated with a GUI interface 25.

In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, there is, on site, and connectedwith each of the data generators an off site central processing unit 40.The unit 40 receives information from either the central office or thetelephone unit 1 and may provide routing information.

In this example, each of the data inputs is assigned a number, data 1through data 6, and each of these data are received by the centralprocessing unit 18 and kept according to a central clock 17 so all thedata can be associated with a particular time. Video images as well asthe other data can be associated with the call. In addition, the DNISand ANI data may be associated with time and the call data for purposesof associating data with a particular call or may be used as a part ofthe tracking information when the data is assigned routing informationby the central processing unit 18 which is discussed in more detailbelow.

Each data type is associated with a format which allows the data to bemost efficiently streamed over data wires. Call information may gothrough in an analog format with the data passing digitally through thesame line using different bandwidths or tones. The data originating atthe phone is sent to the combining unit here API 37 and CPU 21 whichcombines the data as well as the analog signal utilizing the clockinformation in order to present a complete package later.

The data originating at the CBU, CBU CPU or SCC is combined at the CBUby the CBY APT 45 and CBU CPU 18. In some cases this may be done at theSCC. The SCC functions may also be incorporated into the CBU CPU 18eliminating the need for a separate SCC.

The central processing units 21 and 18 preferably have either a set ofdefault instructions or receive overriding remote instructions from theremote operator determining what data is sent and when and even how(format and quantity and quality) the data is sent.

The local central processing unit 18 may be connected to any type ofstorage (item 32) to store data for any period of time in order to allowthe remote user to acquire data which was not previously sent.Preferably this storage at item 22 would be sent to item 38 as soon aspossible to prevent loss at the local phone because of damage, overload,etc.

This data may be stored at item 22 or 38 for a period of time in orderto lower storage requirements at the SCC so the remote user can make adetermination within the set period of time as to whether additionaldata may be required or not. The data may be stored in item 22associated with time and then sent during low usage times so more datacan be transferred without requiring additional data lines or delays.

In one example, video one data is turned into still pictures or shortbursts of video or degraded video while maintaining a copy of the fullvideo. The short burst of video sent over the data lines, is in acompressed format and viewed by the remote user after separation anddecoding to a DSL or other format. The remote user at GUI 23 or the SCC,if so determined, can instruct the local processing units 18 or 21 tomaintain a copy of the data in a larger or smaller (less complete)format which is determined automatically, by usage or usage times orwhich can be set according to the requirements of the remote user.

There can also be several different routings so that most of the dataassociated with the telephone call would go through the data lines butin certain circumstances the data can be rerouted to a limited number ofhigh density (DSL or T1) lines determined automatically by a set ofrules or as manually determined by the remote user.

The rules could use the DSIS or ANI information to make thedetermination, or various parameters associated with the data inputitself such as the user data (such as reader 12 data) read at the phone.

One of the data inputs allows for fingerprint data stored locally,compared to confirmation and (from reader 12) to be continuouslytransmitted with prevents one user from utilizing fingerprint data ofanother user for an indefinite period of time. The same would be truefor credit card data which can be associated with video data so thecredit card is being utilized by the appropriate person.

For purposes of this discussion, the credit card reader 2 refers to anycard reader for cards containing information required to transfer thedata including PIN number data without actual charging data.

By allowing for the separate classification data by type with a call ata particular time and by method of transmission and by best compression,and by having a telephone signal or data signal enhancer, the presentinvention allows the data lines which may be very low density lines areutilized in order to transmit a large amount of information relative totheir data carrying capacity and allow them to provide the data in agreatly enhanced fashion when the data is reinterpreted at the remoteprocessing unit. Time once associated with another unit (e.g. a numberassigned by software with the call) may be replaced for datatransmission with the other unit (the number in this example).

A phone requires 24-48 v powered separately on 1 pair of phone wire(item 5) which only powers up the phone. On the old phone the 24-48 maycarry everything. On the new system, this line merely powers the phone.

There are four ways that the phone is powered in alternate embodiments:

-   -   1) The old line (first pair of wires) is used to carry 24-48        volts (traditionally) to the phone from an exiting phone power        source.    -   2) The old line (first pair of wires) is used to carry 24-48        volts to the phone from a new power system at the block or CBU.    -   3) A new power source is run to the phone from any convenient        source near or directly connected to the phone.    -   4) The phone has battery power charged in off time by one set of        liens otherwise dedicated to data.

A second pair of wires which carry the ringer-old technology- and thatoperates at 96 volts, is optional. In one embodiment this could carry 5volts (more or less) of power for the microprocessor and accessoriesdescribed below.

The third pair of wires to the phone could be rewired to carry 5 voltsmore or less to power and/or communicate the microprocessor andaccessories described below to the extent not powered separately by thesecond set of wires.

In the preferred embodiment there is a CBU micro-processor in a centralbank unit. This CBU micro-processor communicates by way of the secondpair to the phone microprocessor which is located in the phone.

The phone CPU is attached to at least one circuit board which boardcommunicates by way of electronic attachment with (1) a camera 13, (2) aspeaker/microphone 15, (3) a finger print reader 11 and (4) a handset 3.Other devices may also be attached as allowed by compatibility.

In this example, the phone CPU accepts and organizes the data from items1-4 according to the process described below. If necessary, the circuitboard may also communicate with a storage medium, in the preferredembodiment a hard drive or ram 22 for accepting information from one ofthe items listed. This storage medium may be driven by the phone CPU 21or a second phone CPU (not shown). This storage medium may also acceptinformation provided by the CBU CPU 18 for purposes of running thephone, prioritizing information sent by the phone to the CBU andcontrolling access to the phone as described below.

The CBU provides communication and power digital communication throughthe second pair running from the circuit board in the CBU through a MDFor IDF line communicating directly with a punch down block 7 via a whipcable 23 in this embodiment allowing the power source to power up to 24phones per cable.

The power to the CBU preferably comes from a power converter 51 inseries with the signal from the CBU CPU. This power converter 51 plugsinto a power source with a plug (not shown) into a wall outlet (notshown).

From the punch down block, a wire pair runs to each phone for thecombined power and communication signal in the preferred embodiment,although these may be separated using the existing phone lines asdescribed above.

One power line provides from the CBU then split to each of the separatephones for enough power to power the entire whip cable array of phones(24 lines) in the preferred embodiment. It is felt that multiple whipcable arrays could be similarly powered.

The new phone uses the second wire pair for digital communications andthis is possible without rewiring because there are six to eight wiresin the traditional wiring.

The second wire set provides a five volt digital signal used forcommunications (DTMF and voice) and for powering the phone circuitboard. In order to minimize power usage and improve performance, thephone uses a magnetic sensor 48 for an off hook signal which switch isalso connected to and powered by the phone circuit board 19. Themagnetic sensors built into the phone cradle use the magnetic speaker 50within the handset 3 to determine if the hand set is present or not. Ifnot present, the sensor communicates with the phone CPU which generatesthe appropriate ‘off hook’ signal.

The 2 wire solution uses IIS proprietary networking protocol. A networktype sharing of one or more CBU CPUs (in the preferred embodiment) usespre-emphasized networking (RS-485 type) to achieve full-duplex protocolover the second pair, preferably a twisted pair, so that communicationsbetween the CBU CPU and phone CPU is expedited.

In the preferred embodiment, the mixture of voice and data over the samewire pair (second pair) allows for more information to be shared. Thedata and voice are digitized at the phone to accomplish this. Sincevoice and data share the same pipeline, the voice is prioritized by thephone CPU and CBU CPU to avoid any latencies in voice transmission. Inan alternate embodiment, the voice of at least one phone is kept inanalog.

The steps of this process are:

-   -   1) Determining the types of data desired to create a data group        from the group consisting of voice, picture, bio-marker (finger        print, retinal scan, etc.), card holder information (credit card        number, etc.), DNIS and ANI call data, etc.;    -   2) Writing a protocol to prioritize the data types;    -   3) Adding a reader to receive the data;    -   4) Reading the data from the reader involving:        -   (A) creating at least one circuit board;        -   (B) connecting the readers to the circuit board;    -   5) Compiling the information from the readers including the        steps of:        -   (A) selecting the most efficient form for transmission of            the data of each data type;        -   (B) converting the data to a digitized forms corresponding            to the efficiency determined by having wave type data            converted into digital signals which are given a services of            values (0 or 1) as a bit;        -   (C) storing data which is not ready to send;            -   (I) determining the amount of data to store            -   (II) prioritizing data to be stored        -   (D) determining the size of bytes containing the individual            bits of data for each data type;        -   (E) packaging the bytes to be sent        -   (F) attaching at least one time reading to each data byte            made up of digital data bits.        -   (G) attaching a time reading for at least one predetermined            period which time reading may be separated out (as a            separate byte) to allow a remote clock to keep in time with            the local phone clock;    -   6. Streaming data into bytes in association with the time marker        into a transmission stream along with an identifier identifying        the type of data being sent by;        -   (I) the format,        -   (II) attaching an initiating multi-bit or single bit            identifier,        -   (III) ordering the data;    -   7. Retrieving the data out of the data stream;    -   8. Separating the data by type based on the identifier    -   9. Maintaining the data with the time marker for at least one        data type;    -   10. Using the time marker to maintain the time order of at least        one form of the data for later transmission and alignment of        different data types;    -   11. Determining the best method for transmitting data; and    -   12. Sending the data by at least one, and preferably a        plurality, of transmission data streams separated        electronically.

The method claim can be altered so that the step of streaming dataincludes the step of multiplexing the data by determining the amount ofone data stream required while still allowing an other data stream;

Using several frequencies on the same channel to transmit severaldifferent streams of data from different readers, simultaneously is alsowithin the modifications possible with this system;

Providing multiple streams of data which streams of data includedifferent sampling locations for different types of data assigned to aparticular location on the data stream to ensure that enough data istransferred from each separate source; and

Combining two or more signals into a single signal to transmit over acommunications channel.

Using N1Z1 clock protocol with 1 to 0 balancing type speeds may be oneprotocol used in conjunction with the telephone timing signals set forthabove to keep the phone and CBU and main monitoring CPU incommunication.

On demand bandwidths generated by the phone circuit board or CBU or mainmonitoring CPU depend on the requirements and origin of the data or asset by the user.

Using asymmetric control of down and up datapaths allows the bandwidthsto be un-fixed bandwidths. These bandwidths are dynamically allocatedfor total bandwidth as apposed to a DSL fixed up and down streambandwidth.

This flexibility allows the system to make GTL fingerprint designpossible. Biometrics data may also multiplexed with voice and data overthe same line.

FIG. 3 shows a modification where there are analog phones 56 and digitalphones 1. Power is shown through separate lines going separately in thiscase to analog and digital phones.

FIG. 3 shows a wiring diagram where analog phones 1 b and digital phones1 a act within a single system.

In this situation a first power supply 44 a is connected by power pair 5through interface 7 b (a wiring block or 66 block) which has a outgoingpower pair 5 a to at least one digital phone 1 a. Alternate phone bank64, which is not shown in detail, may be analog or digital and run offthe lines to the analog or digital phone (as shown here as running offblock interface 7 a).

The data signal comes through a data wire pair 4 through a wiring block(66 block) if the multiple phones are directly from the wiring block 7 cin the equipment room 65 which in turn connects the data pair 4 a to aCBU 32 which communicates with a separately assembled CPU (in this casea controller computer) 18 by way of a USB port 34. Between the channelblock 7 c and the CPU is a 24 line anthenol connector 23.

The CPU 18 communicates via a port 61, a T1 port and a central office60. It also receives power from a second power supply 44. The controllercomputer (CBU CPU 18) in this example is connected directly in this casevia a second anthenol cable 54 to a punch down block 72 which isconnected directly to analog phone 1 b, which in this case, will notfunction as a digital phone but as normal phones connected directly tothe computer and providing an analog connection. For these lines, thecomputer provides an analog connection or a digital conversion throughthe T1 card to the central office.

FIG. 4 shows a similar arrangement to that in FIG. 3 wherein the systemis improved to allow for two twisted pairs per phone, one being a datapair 4, and the other one being power pair 5 coming respectively from adata box 7 a and a power box 7 b. Power box 7 b receives power from a 48volt VC power supply and 44 a in the IDF equipment room 66. The datagoing to the data block 7 a is, in turn, attached in the NDF equipmentroom 65 via a second wiring block 7 c to the 24 port CVU 32 with isconnected to the CPU 18 which is a separate computer in this embodimentvia a RJ45 cable 69 and a USB cable 34.

A second USB cable 63 connects the computer 18 to a local monitoringstation 68. It also connects through the central office 60 to a remotemonitoring station 67. Either the monitoring station sends protocallchanges and receives data from the CPU 18 which in turn can go to theindividual telephone CPU as described above.

In this case, remote monitoring station houses the remote hard drive 36.FIG. 5 shows how several phones can be arranged into a single interface7. Differences in this embodiment are that local to the phones 1 is alocal battery 70, a common phone storage 62 and one of the lines is acommon storage line 53 (which may be multiple lines) which use excellines to carry non-voice data directly to the CPU 18 so the phone linesmay remain constantly interfacing from a voice standpoint with the CPU18 through a common storage line 53 dedicated for that purpose whichwould otherwise be available for an individual phone block. Since thedata may be associated with a marker identifying not only the time butalso the source phone, this data may be aligned with data from thetelephone at some later point in time.

For alignment purposes, the time is the preferred marker, but a phonelocation or a random number assignment or a number of assignmentsassociated with the time and a particular phone may be utilized. Wherethe time is used, it may be the beginning and or end of the call as wellas the phone line.

This same interpretive view is shown for exclusively digital lines inFIG. 4.

Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within thescope of the inventive concept herein taught and because manymodifications may be made in the embodiment(s) herein detailed inaccordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to beunderstood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrativeand not in a limiting sense.

1. A device for generating telephone data, comprising: a first phonedevice comprising a handset for accepting and generating electromagneticvoice signals; a circuit board electronically connected to the handset;at least one input means for receiving digital data and delivering thedigital data directly to the circuit board from the input meanselectronically connected to the circuit board; a processor forgenerating an associating marker to the voice signals and digital data,prioritizing the data in terms of importance, and communicating the dataaccording to the importance; a phone line having a first endelectronically connected to the circuit board for receiving the signalsand digital data from the phone line and carrying remote digital signalsto the processor, said phone line having a second end; and a cpuconnected to the phone line second end for accepting the signals anddigital data from the phone line and processing the signals into acompleted telephone call and processing the digital data into digitalinformation available for examination; wherein the input means includesat least one of: a video input device, a user identifier comprised of abiometric thumbprint reader, a digital station information identifier, amicrophone means for listening, a video means for recording videoimages, a card reader means for obtaining data from a card, and abiological marker reader.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the processorfurther comprises a means for determining the type of data desired forthe digital data and a formatting means for formatting the data into asignal according to the determination of the processor.
 3. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the processor and cpu further comprise a call regulatingmeans for notifying of the termination or suspension of data due topriority.